Imaginality (1998)

User summary:

Imaginality is intended to be a generic, universal system that can be used in any genre. The core rules detail a method of card handling that is used to resolve all actions (opposed or unopposed) and combat. Every rule besides the Card rules is considered optional.

The card game has a deck and a discard pile for played cards. Characters start the adventure with seven cards. Cards in standard rank, ace high, are scored 2 through 15. A joker, when played, results in two cards drawn from the deck and summed to provide a score--then all three cards are discarded; e.g., results may be really good or really bad. The GM also has a hand for NPCs. Resolution first establishes a difficulty and then cards of those involved are played face down and revealed simultaneously. The action may require another card draw.

Imaginality uses the hackneyed concept that characters are intended to be "yourself", or, the player. From this basis Attributes can be defined and advanced through game experience, represented by the gaining and spending of Character Points.